How Your Tooth Conditions May Impact Your Root Canal

Do you have an ongoing tooth infection? Or are you experiencing any other possible signs of needing a root canal? This type of procedure can bring you relief — but it’s not for everyone. In fact, the shape your teeth are in and other factors may affect your ability to have it done.

How do different dental conditions affect this procedure? Some can impact how well it works or how effective it is. Others may even make it unsuitable, causing you to explore other options. Let’s take a closer look at these conditions to help you better understand the connection between them and root canals.

Age-Related Tooth Conditions

Getting older brings changes to your entire body, including your teeth! As you age, your teeth might change in the following ways:

• More vulnerable to decay or damage
• Lower saliva production that causes dry mouth and a higher risk of dental problems
• Thinner enamel that reduces protection from damage

This can lead to greater discomfort as you heal from a root canal. Depending on tooth conditions, you might also need to have dental crowns added to protect against additional infections or damage.

You can’t always stop these changes. But you can take steps to maintain good oral health, such as getting regular cleanings and managing dry mouth. This may help prevent problems with having a root canal done should you need one at some point.

If you’re older, you might also have health conditions — or an increased risk of certain conditions — that may affect how your tooth heals from a root canal. Our endodontist will go over your medical history and check for teeth and gum problems before determining how to treat your tooth.

Underlying Medical Conditions

You don’t have to be older to have existing health conditions. While root canals are generally safe, even for those with chronic medical conditions, it’s always important to discuss them with our endodontist before undergoing procedures.

Keep in mind that having infected teeth treated with root canals helps boost your overall health. Untreated infections in teeth are linked to higher risks of heart disease and other serious diseases.

Type of Tooth

Which tooth or teeth needs a root canal? Your teeth aren’t all the same. Some have a single root, while others have multiple roots. Having an endodontic procedure done is easier when dealing with teeth that only have one root. Treating teeth with two or more roots may result in a more complex procedure.

For example, molars tend to have multiple roots. Incisors usually have one. A root canal for an incisor may be more simple than treating a molar. Note that endodontists have the knowledge and equipment needed to perform more complex root canals. This can help save natural teeth instead of having them pulled or extracted.

Dental Diseases

Do you have any current gum or tooth diseases, such as periodontal disease? More advanced dental problems or ones that have gone untreated might make it harder or more complicated to have a root canal done. Recovery times may also be longer.

Our endodontist will evaluate your teeth and gums for existing issues before doing a root canal. If damage or decay from a tooth or gum condition is too severe for this procedure, we can provide you with recommendations on other options.

Long-Term Tooth Infections

How long have you been dealing with an infected tooth? The earlier these infections are treated, the better your chance of being able to avoid serious problems. A root canal removes infected matter from inside your tooth, allowing it to heal. Note that infections in certain teeth, such as molars, can go undetected longer.

If an infection has been going on for awhile and resulted in severe decay, you may not be able to have a root canal done. This makes it important to have your tooth checked if you have any signs that it’s infected, such as:

• Pain or increased sensitivity when you chew or bite
• Higher sensitivity to cold and heat
• Toothache that can spread to nearby areas, such as your jaw or ear

When Can’t Root Canals Be Done?

This kind of procedure helps treat infected teeth effectively. But in some situations, other options may need to be explored. Examples of when a root canal might not be suitable include:

• Advanced gum disease
• Severe tooth decay
• Serious tooth fractures
• Severe damage from previously unsuccessful procedures

Root canals are done when possible in order to help save teeth. But if this procedure isn’t suitable, extractions might need to be done instead.

Set Up an Appointment Today!

Are you having increased tooth sensitivity or other infection signs? Our endodontist is here to help! Dr. Rillman at Largo Endodontics performs root canals and other procedures to help treat infections — and improve dental health overall!